Retrospective Environmental Clearances: Supreme Court Asked To Reconstitute Bench For Fresh Hearing

The Supreme Court was urged to constitute a bench to reconsider petitions on retrospective environmental clearances after projects violated norms. Referring to its November 18, 2025 ruling, a 2:1 majority led by then CJI B R Gavai permitted it.

CJI Gavai Stands Firm: ‘Not a Word Changed’ Despite Dissent in Retrospective EC Judgment

CJI BR Gavai stated that he did not alter his judgment in the retrospective environmental-clearance case even after reading Justice Ujjal Bhuyan’s sharp dissent. The Supreme Court’s majority recalled an earlier ruling, while Justice Bhuyan warned the decision weakens core environmental principles.